US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our Amazing Ten Day Kenya, Tanzania Safari with Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris
I cannot thank Mr. OT Otieno and Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris enough for the absolutely amazing 10 day safari that Mr. OT and his company arranged for us. My review is long overdue because after our safari, we continued on in Zambia, South Africa, and Qatar for 5 more weeks. So, in order to help people decide if what we chose to do is right for you, I will first give a short highlighted summary, and then will follow with a more detailed version.
We chose a driver/guide type safari and NOT a fly in,out safari because we wanted to see the land and meet more people. The roads are rough, very rough at times. So keep that in mind in what type of transportation you choose. Other roads are perfectly paved and smooth. But you have the whole safari van/ jeep to yourselves. I took some Dramamine because I get motion sick in a tub (seriously) used my jacket as a pillow, and enjoyed the ride because I was in the real world of the Great Masai Warriors, the Great Migration, the fabulous Serengeti and everyday people. We saw it all. We loved it all. We felt safe at all times, even when we heard the lions roaring at night from our tented lodge in the Masai Mara.
We chose the 10 day luxury upgrade Kenya/ Tanzania safari and paid a fraction of the cost that other big name safari companies were charging. (We originally chose the standard tented lodge safari, but we are closer to 70 than 60 years old and wanted a few more comforts. But the standard ensuite lodging probably would have been just fine) Also, only lodging changed when we upgraded, not itinerary or mode of transportation.
The upgraded version included 2 nights Masai Mara at Osero Tented Camp, 2 nights Lake Naivisha at Sopa Lodge, 1 night Amboseli at Kibo Tented Lodge, 1 night Lake Manyara at Serena Lodge, 2 nights Serengeti at Sopa Lodge Serengeti, 1 night Ngorongoro Crater at Bougainvillea Lodge. Several of the places included authentic evening entertainment. (Separate reviews for each lodge will be written under each lodge's name). In summary, each tented lodge/ lodge was beyond luxury, (Osero even had a bath tub) each lodging gave turn down service during which the mosquito netting was set up for extra protection. We never saw a single mosquito in our lodging. There were fans but no AC, but not needed. It really cools off at night as you are pretty highly elevated most of the trip. Hot water bottles were provided in our beds at a couple of places for heart. This was more than enough and we had plenty of blankets. Never slept so well.! (We went end of December/beginning January) They seem to go above and beyond for getting rid of mosquitoes at these camps, lodges. However we still did all the recommended precautions, malaria meds, vaccinations, and sprayed 30% deet morning and night. We were picked up by our first driver, Ken, at our Nairobi hotel(Fairmont Norfolk where we left our 2 big suitcases)got to meet Mr OT, went on our way for 10 glorious days and night, and we were safely returned 10 days later to our Nairobi Hotel, where we stayed for one night before flying onward in Africa.
1. We researched over 500 different safaris and over 100 safari planning companies and decided on Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris (KWSS) because of the high praise and reassuring reviews we read on TripAdvisor and other safari review sites.
2. We chose a locally owned company, (Mr OT, a Kenya native) because we wanted to use a company that gave back to the local community.
3. Mr OT returns emails and phone calls swiftly and thoroughly, even once final payment is made and even while on safari.
4. You must have an open mind to other cultures and be willing to see the real Africa or you may not enjoy yourself.
5. I requested of Mr OT safe, knowledgable drivers. Ken (Kennedy) was our driver/ guide in Kenya and Khalid in Tanzania. They were fantastic drivers, very knowledgable, and courteous beyond fault.
6. My husband did the hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara. He really enjoyed it. But I would not prepay. Too many weather conditions can prevail. You can book it at the Masai Mara lodge. However, if you go in high season, you may want to firm things up, but I still would not prepay. But that would be your call, of course.
7. At the border, you change cars and drivers. I requested that Ken stay with us until we cleared customs and met up with next driver and of course he did.
8. Because roads are very rough in spots you may be lucky enough to have a couple of flat tires along the way or need car repairs, another area we were lucky enough to experience. We met so many more locals and never felt unsafe. Never once felt unsafe. Mr OT 's driver have 2 way radios at all times, as well as phones. And there are other safari vans passing all the time. One flat tire is how we met a family from France. Another flat tire we met many locals who invited us to their local shops for 30 minutes. The drivers always have spares, but the passing drivers all know each other and want to help. I might add that we saw some very pricey safari companies having similar problems along the way. It is one of the chances you take driving with your own driver versus flying. But flats can happen anywhere and do can repairs.
9. I only point out the above #8 in order to help you decide what type of safari to choose. We had fun through it all. Always felt safe. We never once regretted what we chose. (Driving everywhere versus fly in,out safari) I just want to share our experiences and we enjoyed ever single experience. And I will hopefully help you in your decision making.
10. Mr. Ot's drivers knew how to find the animals sooooo well. We saw lions mating from 15 feet away, we saw the Great Migration where it is in January (Serengeti at that time) We saw all big 5 and many many more. Our road blocks were herds of wildebeests crossing or families of elephants, babies included. Our "selfies" were "photo-bombed" by giraffes and monkeys. All meals were included and we had some picnics in the most beautiful spots.
I hope I have given you the "feel" for what our safari experiences were. Please keep in mind that no one can guarantee duplicating any life experience. The safari is what you make it, with Mr OT's help, and your drivers' help, and all the wonderful people you meet. But I can add this, just in case one of your worries is safety: I am an adventurous scaredy-cat. That means I am cautiously adventurous, always, always putting safety first. And I can honestly state the Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris and Mr. OT and his wonderful drivers Ken(Kennedy) and Khalid delivered to us an enjoyable, amazing, safe safari. My husband and I hope that amazing and safe travels will always follow you. Salvador and Nola Lara
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Awesome and out of the world experience... At least for me :-)
It was a adventurous trip with lots of memorable moments with East African jungle safari tour operator... I am feeling lucky that I chose them... They are too professionals and man of their on words... You don't have to worry about anything once you book with them... Thanks a lot to all the team member for making this trip a memorable one
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Trip without any compromises
For those who are searching a safari operator and don't know who you can trust regarding professionalism and reliability, I can just say I now what you feel. The experience we made with Mega Adventure was from the beginning just awesome. The planning was uncomplicated because they listened what our desires and expectations were resulting in a perfect itinerary. Mubarak picked us up on time from the airport and spent 5 days looking that we had everything and managed to fulfill our requests. He was very knowledgeable and a very pleasant companion on this trip.
In summary: great guide, great organisation, good car and most of all an unforgettable safari.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great KILI/Safari/Tribe combo
Great climb of Kilimanjaro with excellent and well trained guide (Yasine) and friendly team of porters and cooks. Great safari and tribal visits with excellent driver guide (Baraca "Obama"), great eyes for spotting game! Spécial 5 stars for Kilimamoja lake Manyara lodging! Very well organised trip. No major problems over 3 weeks of travelling.
Hakuna matata!
PR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Jewels of Southwestern Uganda
My experience with Gatatu Safaris and Stephen (my guide) was extraordinary. We hit the main attractions in the region (Lake Mburu Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Gorilla trekking at Mugahinga, Lake Bunyonyi, etc.), staying at wonderful places and eating like kings. Stephen really made the difference, since he really went out of his way to make sure everything was perfect. I have traveled extensively in Africa, but this trip was one of my most pleasant experiences. I was very lucky to contact Gatatu Safaris and I recommend them without reservations. They know Uganda (and Rwanda) better than most companies and they give an excellent, incredible service. And they are not expensive.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful visit to Sabi Sabi
We thoroughly enjoyed aour visit to Sabi Sabi. Both of us are experienced Kruger Park visitors but nothing we had done before could compare with this. The flight from OR Tambo to Sabi Sabi was seamless despite inclement weather. The accommodation in Sabi Sabi was superb as was the food. But what impressed us most of all was the encyclopedic knowledge of our assigned ranger, Zwa. what he didn't know about animals, birds, insects of flora has probably not been disovered yet. All in all, a memorable experience.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
12 Day Cape Town, Kurger, Victoria Falls
Fantastic trip and fantastic experience with Wild Wings. The staff were very responsive and made sure we had everything we needed to have an amazing trip. It was a great way to see many different things, with more personal flexibility on activities in Cape Town and Victoria Falls. Kruger highlighted the trip with Simon, our extremely knowledgeable guide who took care of everything! I would highly recommend both this trip and Wild Wings.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Experience
The price was reasonable and good driver, the camp was nice, food was great! Massai Mara is amazing we sow 4 out of 5 big 5s!! I had good time!!!
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A 10 day safari in Tanzania/Kenya was excellent without issues, great guides, trip and sights
A 10 day safari that started in Nairobi when we were picked up at the Airport. After overnighting in Nairobi, we set out with Joseph to Amboseli National Park, where we we flooded with wildlife and sights to remember. The next day after more sights, it was off to Tanzania, where we switched guides and Tiba took over. Over the next seven days, we visited many National Parks and Conservation areas, saw amazing sights, completed the "Big 5", stayed in fabulous lodges which Tamasha arranged, and learned lots about the Tanzanian people and their way of life. Tiba and Joseph both gave that extra for their guests, ensuring that we left the Safari happy and satisfied. A great Safari with great guides, in the best locations. Well arranged and planned, well executed!!!
PH
Smooth and Efficient Transfers.
The communication process was very smooth. Matthew was very helpful in suggesting itineraries and choices of things to do. Our email communications went back and forth. Each time I got a prompt reply and I was eventually able to come up with an itinerary.
We used African Safari Guru for transfers to and from Johannesburg and Pilanesburg, our pick up was on time the drive was smooth and comfortable.
African Safari Guru lived up to our expectations and deserves the consistently good ratings that we saw looking for transfers and things to do.